The annual fee was meant to punish drivers with seven or more points on their license. Drivers with seven points are now charged $100 and $50 are added for each additional point a motorist accumulates within two years.

The bill would prevent the fee from being assessed for minor moving violations, such as failing to provide proof of insurance, and for accumulating seven or more points.

“These onerous and excessive fees for minor traffic violations are crippling, especially with so many struggling to keep up with the basic necessities of life,” state Sen. Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek, said in a written statement.

The fee will remain in place for more serious violations such as drunken driving, hit and run accidents and fleeing police.